Southampton: Spectators at the Rose Bowl gave England skipper Alastair Cook a rousing round of applause after he reached his 50 for the first time since the Boxing Day Test against Australia last December.

Ian Botham

It was a welcome respite for Cook, who has come in for heavy criticism from all quarters, both for his poor form and England's woeful display over the last few months.

Yesterday, Cook chose to bat after winning the toss and his decision was met with skepticism by some English greats like Geoffery Boycott and Ian Botham.

Botham exclaimed: "Batting? England first? Cook must be a brave man to take this decision because he will be out there to face the first ball.

The sky is overcast, so he must be very brave man." Despite Cook's effort, Boycott stuck to the opinion that the skipper needs some rest to rejuvenate himself.